Phillip Strniste, left, and Gwen Snyder show off the insurance cards they received after enrolling through the health care exchange set up by the Affordable Care Act. The Fairhope couple has been without insurance since they left the Peace Corps in the 1970s. (Brendan Kirby/bkirby@al.com)

It is no accident that the goal was attained by two idealistic, community-minded farmers. Accustomed to patient toiling for the fruits of their labors against the capriciousness of the natural elements, soil and weather, they were able to apply their talents, skills and knowledge in the pursuits of the rewards of the affordable insurance.

With hearts and minds fastened on their needs and the goal, they were not deterred by delay, mistakes and misadventures of the application process.

Hooray for their heroic efforts! Never was success in such a struggle won by more deserving contenders.